Michael Jackson's estate has released a statement denying new reports that detailed an alleged collection of child pornography found at the late King of Pop's Neverland Ranch.
The singer was infamously tried on charges of child molestation in 2003 but was acquitted in 2005. Earlier this week, though, Radar Online posted a police report attributed to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department that allegedly revealed details of a 2003 police raid on Jackson's nearby Neverland Ranch.
The 88-page report featured shocking information about what the cops allegedly found at the residence, including books, magazines and pictures featuring nude and semi-nude children, as well as adult pornography and graphic images of animal sacrifice.
A representative from the sheriff's department, however, quickly released a statement saying that while parts of the documents appear to be copies of reports and evidentiary photos from the police, Radar Online's content looks to be "interspersed with content that appears to be obtained off the internet or through unknown sources."
That spokesperson also confirmed that the report was not released to the media, but maintained proper protocol was followed during Jackson's trial, releasing all required reports and photos to the prosecution and defence.
Now, Michael Jackson's estate has released an official statement further denying the report, defending the late singer against Radar Online's damning accusations. It reads, in its entirety:
Seven years ago this coming Saturday, the world lost an amazing artist and humanitarian devoted to helping children in need in all corners of the world. Michael Jackson's fans, including the Executors of his estate, prefer to remember the wonderful gifts Michael left behind instead of having to once again see his good name dragged through the mud by tabloid trash.
Everything in these reports, including what the County of Santa Barbara calls "content that appears to be obtained off the Internet or through unknown sources" is false, no doubt timed to the anniversary of Michael's passing. Those who continue to shamelessly exploit Michael via sleazy internet "click bait" ignore that he was acquitted by a jury in 2005 on every one of the 14 salacious charges brought against him in a failed witch hunt.
Michael remains just as innocent of these smears in death as he was in life even though he isn't here to defend himself. Enough is enough.
— The Estate of Michael Jackson
The singer was infamously tried on charges of child molestation in 2003 but was acquitted in 2005. Earlier this week, though, Radar Online posted a police report attributed to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department that allegedly revealed details of a 2003 police raid on Jackson's nearby Neverland Ranch.
The 88-page report featured shocking information about what the cops allegedly found at the residence, including books, magazines and pictures featuring nude and semi-nude children, as well as adult pornography and graphic images of animal sacrifice.
A representative from the sheriff's department, however, quickly released a statement saying that while parts of the documents appear to be copies of reports and evidentiary photos from the police, Radar Online's content looks to be "interspersed with content that appears to be obtained off the internet or through unknown sources."
That spokesperson also confirmed that the report was not released to the media, but maintained proper protocol was followed during Jackson's trial, releasing all required reports and photos to the prosecution and defence.
Now, Michael Jackson's estate has released an official statement further denying the report, defending the late singer against Radar Online's damning accusations. It reads, in its entirety:
Seven years ago this coming Saturday, the world lost an amazing artist and humanitarian devoted to helping children in need in all corners of the world. Michael Jackson's fans, including the Executors of his estate, prefer to remember the wonderful gifts Michael left behind instead of having to once again see his good name dragged through the mud by tabloid trash.
Everything in these reports, including what the County of Santa Barbara calls "content that appears to be obtained off the Internet or through unknown sources" is false, no doubt timed to the anniversary of Michael's passing. Those who continue to shamelessly exploit Michael via sleazy internet "click bait" ignore that he was acquitted by a jury in 2005 on every one of the 14 salacious charges brought against him in a failed witch hunt.
Michael remains just as innocent of these smears in death as he was in life even though he isn't here to defend himself. Enough is enough.
— The Estate of Michael Jackson